Wreath Laying Honored Veterans and First Responders

Despite a cold Saturday on December 7th many people came to Union Cemetery in Richboro where so many of our Northampton hometown heroes are laid to rest.

After a welcome announcement by head organizer Kristin Reilly of the township’s Veterans Advisory Commission the Color Guard provided by the Patriot Detachment Marine Corps League advanced the Colors followed by the raising of the flag and the singing of the National Anthem by Lisa Garner. This was followed by the invocation given by Rev. Doug Dwyer.

Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub was called upon to provide some welcome remarks. He talked about these hallowed grounds and how we are all beneficiaries of the men and women keeping us safe, not only here who gave their lives, but those living that keep us safe every day.

Weintraub was followed by keynote speaker Northampton Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief Fire Marshal Rob Holmes who talked about how each of our first responders, EMS personnel and military has dedicated a portion of their lives in order to protect us and save lives.

Following the playing of Taps and a moment of silence, Lisa Garner sang Amazing Grace after which emcee Kristin Reilly addressed the audience stating “We are not here to simply decorate gravesites with reeves, we are gathered here to honor, remember and thank our hometown heroes who have traded in their badges and brass for angel wings”. She went on to say that the holiday wreaths have a significant meaning for the season. The circular shape, with no beginning or end, represents eternity and never ending love. The greens symbolize strength, endurance and lasting memories. The red bow is significant of the great sacrifices these heroes have made. After relaying a touching story she had read, of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend, Reilly asked everyone attending to please visit these heroes at their final resting place, say their names, place their wreath and respectively spend a moment to pay homage to their life and their service.

Reilly thanked all those who helped make the event possible with special thanks to Northampton Township Public Works Department for helping setup and takedown afterwards, key wreath sponsor Ed London Wreath Company and the St. Bedes girls basketball team for delivering and unloading the wreaths.

A video of the ceremony can be viewed at the following YouTube link: https://youtu.be/Ws2Xn0RJm-s